Learn from challenging thoughts

Exploring and learning from a challenging thought can help you avoid being overwhelmed by negative thoughts and feelings.

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Challenging thoughts come in many forms. More often than not, individuals can become overwhelmed by negative or self-critical thoughts. Having a way to guide yourself through the process of exploring and learning from a challenging thought can help to avoid the buildup of overwhelming negative thoughts and feelings.

Complete the fillable PDF below when you are in a positive or neutral head space. Follow along with the guided activity by reading through the scenarios and answering the questions that follow. Once you have completed the activity, save it as a reminder or informal action plan of the steps you can take the next time you are having a difficult time dealing with a challenging thought.

Access the fillable form Learn from challenging thoughts | PDF.

References

  1. Heriot-Maitland, C., McCarthy-Jones, S., Longden, E., & Gilbert, P. (2019). Compassion focused approaches to working with distressing voices. Frontiers in psychology, 10, 152.

  2. Joyce, S., Shand, F., Tighe, J., Laurent, S. J., Bryant, R. A., & Harvey, S. B. (2018). Road to resilience: a systematic review and meta-analysis of resilience training programmes and interventions. BMJ open, 8(6), e017858.

  3. Snijders, C., Pries, L. K., Sgammeglia, N., Al Jowf, G., Youssef, N. A., De Nijs, L., ... & Rutten, B. P. (2018). Resilience against traumatic stress: current developments and future directions. Frontiers in psychiatry, 9, 676.

Contributors include:Andréa HillEmily ClarkJill MagisKate HarriMary Ann Baynton

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